Ram 5500 6.4L HEMI Specs Horsepower Torque and Towing Chart
The 6.4L HEMI V8 is the standard engine on the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab, rated at 375 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque on the current model year. It pairs with a Torque Flite 8 eight-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 21,230 lbs when properly equipped.
This engine is tuned differently than the same 6.4L HEMI found in Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, since chassis cab applications prioritize durability under sustained commercial loads over peak output. Below is the full breakdown of horsepower, torque, weight ratings, payload, and towing figures across Ram 5500 configurations, sourced directly from Ram’s official specifications.
6.4L HEMI V8 Specs at a Glance
- 375 hp / 429 lb-ft
- TorqueFlite 8 automatic
- Max GCWR 28,500 lbs
- Lower upfront cost
- 360 hp / 800 lb-ft
- TorqueFlite HD automatic
- Max GCWR 43,000 lbs
- Higher towing ceiling
| Engine | Axle | GVWR | Payload | GCWR | Max Tow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI | 4.44 | 18,000 | 11,140 | 26,000 | 18,990 |
| 6.4L HEMI | 4.89 | 19,000 | 12,140 | 28,500 | 21,490 |
| 6.7L Cummins | 4.44 | 19,500 | 11,870 | 32,000 | 24,220 |
| 6.7L Cummins | 4.89 | 19,500 | 11,870 | 43,000 | 35,220 |
Ram 5500 6.4L HEMI Horsepower and Torque by Configuration
The 6.4L HEMI V8 in the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab produces 375 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque on current-generation trucks, according to Ram’s official engine performance specifications. This is a modest bump over earlier model years, which rated the same engine closer to 370 horsepower under a 10,000-lb GVWR threshold.
The engine displaces 392 cubic inches and uses a cast-iron block with variable valve timing and a Multi-Displacement System that shuts off four cylinders under light load to save fuel. It runs 16 spark plugs, two per cylinder, for more complete combustion.
Chassis cab tuning differs from the Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup version of the 6.4L HEMI, which is calibrated for a different torque curve and towing profile. The 5500’s commercial-grade tune favors low-end pulling power and longevity over peak horsepower.
Power numbers only tell part of the story. Weight ratings determine what the 5500 can actually carry and pull.
Ram 5500 GVWR and GCWR With the 6.4L HEMI
The Ram 5500 Chassis Cab carries a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of 19,500 lbs across the lineup, though the exact GVWR on 6.4L HEMI configurations ranges from 18,000 to 19,000 lbs depending on axle ratio and cab and chassis length. The 6.4L HEMI’s maximum gross combined weight rating tops out at 28,500 lbs.
By comparison, the optional 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel pushes GCWR as high as 43,000 lbs on 4×4 Regular Cab configurations, according to Ram’s official towing and payload data. That gap exists because the diesel produces significantly more torque at lower RPM, which matters more for GCWR than peak horsepower does.
Front axle GAWR increases to 7,000 lbs with the optional Heavy-Duty Front Suspension Group on 4500 and 5500 models equipped with the 6.4L HEMI. That option matters for anyone planning a heavy front-mounted upfit like a plow or crane.
Those weight ratings translate directly into real payload and towing numbers.
Ram 5500 6.4L HEMI Payload and Towing Capacity Chart
Here is what the 6.4L HEMI delivers on a Regular Cab, 60-inch cab-to-axle, 4×2 dual rear wheel configuration, based on Ram’s official commercial chassis cab towing chart.
| Engine | Axle Ratio | GVWR | Payload | GCWR | Max Trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.44 | 18,000 lbs | 11,140 lbs | 26,000 lbs | 18,990 lbs |
| 6.4L HEMI V8 | 4.89 | 19,000 lbs | 12,140 lbs | 28,500 lbs | 21,490 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins | 4.44 | 19,500 lbs | 11,870 lbs | 32,000 lbs | 24,220 lbs |
| 6.7L Cummins | 4.89 | 19,500 lbs | 11,870 lbs | 43,000 lbs | 35,220 lbs |
These figures shift with cab length, cab style, and drive type. A Crew Cab or a longer cab-to-axle length reduces payload because of the added base weight, and 4×4 models generally carry slightly less than 4×2 equivalents. Always verify the exact build sheet numbers for your specific configuration through the Ram towing capacity chart by year or your local dealer before finalizing an upfit.
Configuration changes those numbers more than most buyers expect.
Ram 5500 6.4L HEMI Transmission and Drivetrain Options
The 6.4L HEMI on current Ram 5500 Chassis Cab trucks pairs standard with a TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic transmission. Earlier model years used the 66RFE six-speed automatic on lighter-GVWR builds and the heavy-duty Aisin AS66RC six-speed automatic on higher-GVWR configurations.
Axle ratio options typically run from 4.44 to 4.89, with the higher ratio favoring towing capacity and GCWR over fuel economy. The Ram 5500 is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrain layouts, with 4×4 models trading a small amount of payload and max trailering for off-road and job-site traction.
Real-world owners and upfitters have plenty to say about how this drivetrain holds up.
How the 6.4L HEMI Performs in Real Ram 5500 Work Applications
Commercial operators on truck and plow forums generally describe the 6.4L HEMI as a dependable, lower-maintenance alternative to the 6.7L Cummins for landscaping, towing, and light commercial dump work. Several owners report noticeably better fuel economy than a comparable gas V10 platform, without the higher upfront cost or DEF system upkeep that comes with a diesel.
The most common reason buyers choose the 6.4L HEMI over the Cummins on a 5500 build is simplicity. Fleet operators running shorter routes and lighter trailers often find the gas engine’s lower purchase price and reduced maintenance complexity outweigh the diesel’s extra towing headroom, especially when GCWR needs stay under 28,500 lbs.
If reliability concerns are a factor in your decision, it is worth reviewing known 6.4L HEMI problems before committing to a build.
A few common questions come up around this engine and platform.
Ram 5500 6.4L HEMI Specs FAQ
What is the horsepower of the Ram 5500 6.4L HEMI?
The Ram 5500 Chassis Cab’s standard 6.4L HEMI V8 produces 375 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque on current model years, according to Ram’s official engine performance specifications.
What is the towing capacity of the Ram 5500 with the 6.4L HEMI?
Max trailering with the 6.4L HEMI reaches up to 21,230 lbs on 4×2 configurations and 20,930 lbs on 4×4 models, when properly equipped with the correct axle ratio and towing package.
Is the 6.4L HEMI or 6.7L Cummins better for the Ram 5500?
The 6.4L HEMI costs less upfront and needs less maintenance, while the 6.7L Cummins tows significantly more and reaches a max GCWR of 43,000 lbs. The right choice depends on whether your typical loads exceed the HEMI’s 28,500-lb GCWR ceiling.
What transmission comes with the Ram 5500 6.4L HEMI?
Current Ram 5500 trucks pair the 6.4L HEMI with a TorqueFlite 8 eight-speed automatic transmission, while earlier model years used a 66RFE six-speed or heavy-duty Aisin six-speed automatic.
What is the GVWR of the Ram 5500?
Maximum GVWR across the Ram 5500 lineup is 19,500 lbs, though specific 6.4L HEMI configurations range from 18,000 to 19,000 lbs depending on axle ratio and cab and chassis length.
Choosing the Right Ram 5500 6.4L HEMI Build
The Ram 5500’s standard 6.4L HEMI V8 delivers enough horsepower, torque, and towing capacity to handle most commercial upfits without the added cost and complexity of a diesel. Where it falls short is GCWR, which caps out well below what the 6.7L Cummins can pull on the same chassis.
Match your configuration to your actual workload rather than the highest number on the spec sheet. Confirm exact payload and towing figures for your cab length, axle ratio, and drive type through your dealer’s build sheet before finalizing a Ram 5500 6.4L HEMI order.
